RALEIGH, NC – Wake Tech Beach Volleyball enters its last conference dual of the season on the road against Region 10 opponent Sandhills Community College on April 10. Both teams are tied for third place in the Region 10 standings, with the winner securing a spot in the Region 10 Championship Semifinals against Gaston College. Wake Tech lost its last dual 0-5 at defending Region 10 Champion Richard Bland College. Sandhills enters the dual after defeating Spartanburg Methodist 3-2 on the road, securing their first conference victory of the season.
First-year Head Coach Darren Roberts says the team has made great strides during the season and believes Wednesday's dual will be a great test of the team's progress. "We have improved our team communication and our pairs have grown exponentially with their partners since the preseason. We know we can maintain rallies, play within ourselves, and can compete in this conference" Roberts said.
The Eagles will look for leadership from their #1 Pair Freshman Brooke Geiger and Freshman Gabi Carter, who defeated the Flyers in their last match 2-0. "Brooke and Gabi's athleticism gives us a chance to win every game day and gives our team steady anchors in our 2nd set of matches," Roberts said, "With our #2 and #3 Pairs' ability to scramble and make plays on the court, we are improving in the NJCAA ranks." Marcy Oros and Joey Starkweather have been the Eagles most successful pair this season, winning in straight sets against Spartanburg Methodist College, Gaston College, and in 3-sets against NCAA Division III Huntingdon College.
At Wake Tech's Sophomore Day opener against Sandhills at Carolina Legacy Volleyball Club, the Eagles took three pair matches to 3 sets, including pairs #2 Joey Starkweather/Marcy Oros vs. Emma Brown/Caroline Bradford, #3 Abby Carver/Olivia Garzelloni vs. Nikki Lambert/Olivia Barlowe, and #4 Molly Clabby/Kennedy George vs. Aydan Bullard/Jenna Luquer. Ultimately, the Eagles fell to the Flyers, but only losing the dual by only four total points.
The conference showdown will be held on the Sandhills Community College campus at 3:00 PM.